Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency is common around the world, particularly in young people because of their elevated need for iron to grow and develop. Iron deficiency is demonstrated by low levels of serum ferritin. This research will investigate the level of serum ferritin in children with normal hemoglobin but low MCV and MCH, the purpose of this is to determine the degree to which subclinical iron deficiency is present and distinguish it from other causes of microcytosis. Method: 150 children with typical hemoglobin but low MCV and MCH were recruited recognizing subordinate iron deficiency. Blood samples and demographic information regarding sociological aspects were collected and assessed. A computerized hematology analyzer and an ELISA were both used to assess the level of haemoglobin in the blood and the serum level of ferritin. Results: Children with normal hemoglobin but low MCV and MCH had a mean hemoglobin level of 12.7±0.6 mg/ dl and a serum ferritin level of 86.5±7 ng/ ml, according to the study. The levels of serum ferritin and hemoglobin changed significantly, depending on the sociodemographic variables. Among the pediatric population, the levels of serum ferritin and hemoglobin were significantly higher (P-value 0.002). Conclusion: In children with typical hemoglobin, but low MCV and MCH, the sociodemographic factors are strongly associated with the hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Gender, birth order, and family size—children under the age of 10 years— had an effect on the serum level of ferritin. The age, birthdate, and the time of supplemental food consumption also had an effect on hemoglobin levels. These findings demonstrate the necessity of recognizing and treating iron deficiency early on in life.

Key words: Serum ferritin, children, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH.